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BA Politics and International Relations L258

Full Time: 3 Years

Why do countries go to war? How much tax should we pay? And can foreign policy ever be wholly ethical?

If these are the kind of questions that interest you then you'll love exploring them through this stimulating, discussion-based degree course.

Most of your teaching time will be spent in small group seminars, allowing you to interact directly with staff and other students, and add your own voice to the discussion. You will learn about the fundamental elements of politics and international relations, address some of the contemporary world's most pressing problems and explore the ethical and moral issues that arise when political authority is exercised.

You will be able to pursue your own interests through a wide range of specialist optional modules, which cover topical issues such the politics of the welfare state, international terrorism and the Middle East crisis. You will also have the option to take modules in other subjects, such as economics and history, to broaden your knowledge and learn other skills.

Our Model United Nations and Middle East simulations give you the opportunity to get a direct feel for the political process and apply your knowledge and skills to a scenario that mimics real life. You can also take part in other activities that are related to politics. For example, you can contribute to the Department of Politics and International Relations' weekly politics radio show through our Media and Politics module, learning other useful skills such as presenting and audio editing.

Placement

You can undertake a two-week placement as part of our module on British government and politics. This is an opportunity for you to gain first-hand experience of working with an MP, charity, pressure group, local councillor or media organisation. You can also carry out longer placements during summer vacations, or spend a year in industry. And you take a longer placement module – or even a year in work – as part of your degree.

We have a specialist placement officer, who can provide you with one-to-one support in securing and preparing for a placement.

How much will it cost?

How much will it cost?

Additional Costs

These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

* UK and EU Fee Changes

Subject to the Government passing legislation to raise the minimum fee cap, we will raise undergraduate tuition fees from £9,000 to £9,250 for new UK/EU students applying to start courses in the 2017/18 academic year. You will not be affected by this rise if you have deferred entry to the 2017/18 academic year. The Government will confirm future arrangements for EU students in due course.

The tuition fee will remain £9,000 per year for the full duration of this course if you start in the 2016/17 academic year or have accepted an offer but deferred your entry until the 2017/18 academic year. This is unlike other institutions who are planning to raise fees midway through courses.

Additional costs

These course fees cover the cost of your tuition. Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.

Financial support for your studies

You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.

What career can you have?

What career can you have?

Through this course you will develop strong analytical and research skills, as well as become experienced in delivering presentations and working in a group. These skills are valued by employers in many industries, giving you the option of roles that are directly related to your degree or in completely different fields.

Past students have put their political analysis skills to direct use in the British and European civil services, political research units, think tanks, non-governmental organisations and journalism. Others have gone into advertising, PR, media and banking.

The modules available, particularly in my second and third years, allowed me to tailor my degree to what really interested me. I always looked forward to perfectly sized seminar classes where academics never failed to inspire heated and intelligent debate.